It doesn't get any more classic in the air gun world than the Weihrauch (HW) 35 spring piston air rifle. The HW35 holds the record for the air gun in longest continuous production. It started production in 1951 and is still made, today. Mine is the 35E version, the E designating it was designated for export. The E version represents HW's highest grade of air gun with walnut, hand checkered stock and finely polished parts. Simply put, shooting a 35 or 35E is as retro cool as it gets in the air gun world. It's a step back in time and a lesson in history. This one definitely qualifies as one of my top five favorite guns based on hours of use, probably close to second or at least tying for second.

Peep sight is a Williams. Better light in this pic. Shows off the beauty of the walnut.

Shooting the 35E is unique from a shooting and mechanical standpoint, too. Instead of the standard ball detent lockup that all break barrel piston guns, these days, the 35 uses a latch that is released by a lever. Very intuitive and simple to use. Note too, the articulated linkage. The bottom line is that my 35E is the smoothest cocking spring piston gun I own. Pure joy to operate.

The 35 was the first HW to be equipped with the fabulous HW Rekord trigger, which will spoil you. Puts all but the finest Olympic grade match triggers to shame. Make no mistake, the triggers on these HWs is a big reason I love shooting them so much.

The 35 also has a very short piston strike, so the recoil is snappy and fast. Makes for a short lock time. Grows on you. I like it. Makes for easy follow though and trigger timing. The short stroke limits the power that can be achieved, but the 35E still shoots in the very useful 800 fps range. Makes for a great outdoor or indoor shooter.

It may be old school and a bit outdated in design, but the 35 can still hold it's own in the accuracy department with the best of them. Today's best target, shot indoors, at 10 meters. 10 shots. Sweet, sweet, sweet.

The 35E version will run about $500, but the basic plain 35 version with a beech stock can be had for much less, though you'll like have to buy it from a European source. No one is importing to over here.